In the mid-90’s, a small, central African country descended into civil conflict. Rwanda had none of the wealth that concerns western nations who left two waring tribes to sort themselves out. They did, and slaughtered nearly one million people in the process. As the world averted its eyes, a hotel manager opened his arms to make good his promise to protect family and friends. The gutsy actions of Paul Rusesabagina saved the lives of 1200 people. Anchored by Don Cheadle’s impassioned performance, Hotel Rwanda is a simple tale of good and evil in a world gone truly mad. The film opens before the first wave of violence to reveal how well regarded, and connected, Rusesabagina was. Shortly after, these connections reveal their worth as the outside world revealed its absolute disdain for their plight. Under feeble UN protection, Rusesabagina did what a true hero would: provided shelter and saved people.

Hotel Rwanda is a tremendous story of courage and fear that is sadly marred by the lacklustre approach of director Terry George. A gifted writer (The Boxer, In The Name of The Rose), his pedestrian style reduces many characters to ciphers (Nick Nolte as the impotent official, Joaquin Phoenix as the embarrassed West). Narrative excitement is replete with passion and politics yet lacks the cinematic punch it so richly deserves. Notwithstanding Cheadle’s emotional performance and that of his on-screen wife, Sophie Okonedo, Hotel Rwanda is simply a good film, not a great one. Rather like tsunami benefits, praise heaped on this project is more a legacy of western guilt than a measurement of artistic merit.

// COLIN FRASER